E. Derek Peske, MD

E. Derek Peske, M.D. died peacefully in his home in Greensburg, and was welcomed into his Savior's arms, on July 20, 2024. 

Derek was born on February 8, 1939 in Chicago to Edgar and Esther Peske. He attended Middlebury College (1956-1960) and graduated with a double major in biology and chemistry. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy (1960-1964) where he was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Bay of Pigs Invasion and served as an air intercept controller. From the Navy, he went to medical school at the University of Miami (1965-1969) where he met Gretchen Worden on a blind date arranged by her brother, Jim, a medical school friend. Gretchen and Derek married on December 28, 1967 in Miami Beach.

Following medical school, Derek completed an internship at Greenwich Hospital and a family practice residency at York Hospital. He earned Board Certification in Family Practice, becoming one of the first Family Physicians in the nation in this new specialty. His career spanned 47 years. He served as Director of Family Practice Residency in Erie and moved to Latrobe in 1990 to join the staff of Latrobe Hospital. In 1993, he opened his own practice, HealthCare Partners, where he cared for patients for 25 years. He accepted all patients, regardless of income or illness, and even offered hugs to everyone.

In his spare time, Derek loved music. He sang in barbershop quartets, performed in musical theater, and relished live performances. He also enjoyed hiking, biking, playing tennis and golf.

Derek is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Gretchen. They raised a loving family in several communities, and spent many happy vacation moments together. He is also survived by his four children: Heather G. Peske, Ed.D. and partner, Ben Buttrick of Boston; Jonathan D. Peske of Pittsburgh; Kristen E.M. Peske, D.O. and husband, Ben Silvis of Pittsburgh; Stephanie A.T. Peske and husband, Joe Barnes of Irwin; and the grandchildren with whom he joked and carried out many pranks: Lila and Hannah Toulmin, and Jonah, Jack, Harper, and Jonathan Silvis. 

Derek faithfully loved and served the Lord and his family, friends, and patients (and his dogs!). He will be greatly missed: for his humor, exuberance when the Penguins or Steelers played, triumphs in games of cribbage, delight in a good pipe, trumpet playing on New Year’s Eve, avid readership—and so much more.

Visitation hours will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, INC 524 N. Main St., Greensburg. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11 am at Christ’s Church, 145 N Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601, officiated by Archbishop Robert Duncan and Fr. Jeffrey Wylie co-officiating, with a luncheon to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations in honor of Derek’s faith in God and passion for music and dogs: Christ’s Church, 145 N. Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 or WQED or As They Come Animal Rescue, 426 Greensburg Pike, West Newton, PA 15089. 

Special thanks to the Excela Hospice team: Pastor Kevin, Maureen, Jordan and Anne. Thanks to Lisa for her kindness and compassion and enjoyment of Dr. Derek’s sense of humor! 

Online condolences are welcome at www.kepplegraft.com